Top 10 Things to Do in Cambodia

Cambodia Must-see Attractions

Cambodia is certainly not lacking in charm and allure. From the stupendous achievement of Angkor Wat and its well-known offshoots to the natural splendour of Tonle Sap Lake, one of the world's largest freshwater lakes, this part of the country is a fascinating and rewarding place to visit. We can all learn lessons from Cambodia's bitter past and nowhere more so than at the Tuol Sleng Museum.

From war to peace - perfect peace - at tranquil and secluded Bamboo Island, while another relatively peaceful spot is Battambang in the country's 'rice bowl'. Try your luck at the casinos in Sihanouksville and finally sample the culture through the performing arts in Phnom Penh's Chatomuk Theatre.

The ruins of Angkor are found to the north of the Tonle Sap Lake near modern-day Siem Reap and many people visit Siem Reap with the sole intent of using it as a base from which to visit Angkor. The largest pre-industrial city in the world at 400sqk, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Read More...

Built in 1866, the site contains various buildings of interest, including the Khmer-style Throne Hall, now used for special ceremonial occasions. South of the Throne Hall are the Royal Treasury and the Villa of Napoleon III, built in Egypt in 1866, for the opening of the Suez Canal, and was later presented to the Cambodian king as a gift. Read More...

The Bayon is at the centre of Angkor Thom (literally 'Great City'), which forms the heart of the Angkor complex as it is today. This inner city is surrounded by a moat, and approached at the four cardinal points via huge stone gates and causeways flanked by statues of gods and giants. Read More...

If Angkor Wat and the city of Angkor Thom are best known for grandeur and majesty, then to the east, the temple and monastery of Ta Promh wins hands down for sheer dramatic effect. Unlike most other monuments, Ta Promh has been left the way it was originally found. Read More...

The Tonlé Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. During the monsoon season between June and October the Tonlé Sap River reverses its flow and runs in the opposite direction, filling the Tonlé Sap Lake, making it the only river in the world that flows in both directions. Read More...

Cambodia's tragic past can be seen less painfully through the perspactive of time and its war museum, if not the most cheerful place in the world, can be extremely instructive in terms of coming to grips with what actually happened during those terrible years. Read More...

A few days on Bamboo Island, off Sihanoukville's coast, comes highly recommended. The boat ride takes about half an hour and once there you will find that only about 30 people live on the island. On its north-facing crescent beach Bamboo Island has three bungalow resorts, two restaurants and two bars and is very, very laid back. Read More...

Battambang is somewhat of an ode to French colonialism. The city lies in the heart of the Northwest and until the war years it was the leading rice-producing province of the country. It offers not only one of the best preserved examples of the French Colonial era, but also the small-town feel you expect to encounter in Cambodia as a rule. Read More...

Sihanoukville is not exactly southeast Asia's answer to Las Vegas but it does offer a few venues for those who enjoy to throw the dice and play footsie with Lady Luck. Presently there are four hotels offer gamblers their favourite games: blackjack, roulette, baccarat, gaming machines, and poker. Read More...

Apsara Dance draws its inspiration from the mythological court of the gods and from its celestial dancers, the Apsaras. The dance took on its own unique form adding movements and meaning, during the reigns of Jayavarman II and Jayavarman VII as well as in the Angkor era. Read More...

Download our free travel guide

Get access to our free travel guides of the best things to do, see and visit, the best restaurants, shops and places to go at night too! All the important basics such weather and travel tips for your first trip are in there.

Print it out to carry around, save it on your phone or use it when you arrive. Just enter your details to get your free PDF Travel Guide and also add you to our free Asia Web Direct Travel Club Newsletter.